exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

-ˌsplȯ-

: the act or an instance of exploring

explorational

ˌek-splə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˌsplȯ-

adjective

Synonyms of exploration

• investigation
• inquiry
• examination
• study
• probing
• research
• probe

Examples of exploration in a Sentence

a topic for scholarly exploration

the early exploration of the West

early explorations of the West

Recent Examples on the Web

Art requires some neutrality to find its voice, but a building dedicated to the exploration of narrative shouldn’t stop exploring just when its storytelling begins. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

This quietly powerful exploration of familial bonds across generations is a story of finding hope and the importance of a home. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Instead, the agency’s near-term focus at the red planet is on aerial drones, a pioneering mode of exploration that didn’t seem realistic until a few years ago. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026

President Abelardo de la Espriella pledged to revoke a ban on new exploration licenses for oil and gas projects implemented under his predecessor Gustavo Petro, who had sought to make Colombia a positive model for the green energy transition. — Eugenia Perozo, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing exploration

• re-exploration
• self-exploration

Rhymes for exploration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

: the act or an instance of exploring